Wednesday, 27 July 2011

Like all three previous Black Series Mercedes, the C63 sticks with a tried and tested formula of sledgehammer power, track-focused hard-core chassis and aggressive race-derived styling. Power comes from AMG’s 6.3-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine, which has forged pistons, conrods and crankshaft, a new engine control unit and a 50 per cent bigger oil cooler.

The prodigious output is channelled through a seven-speed AMG Speedshift transmission, which uses a wet, dual-clutch in place of the usual fluid coupling. The transmission has four control settings and can snap through the gears in 100 milliseconds in the sportiest Sport Plus and Manual modes.

To boost the new Mercedes’ traction and improve its handling the rear axle features a limited slip differential that is allied to three stages of ESP stability control, one of which allows the system to be completely switched off.

Under the skin is a revised chassis with wider tracks — up 40mm at the front and 75mm at the rear — stiffer anti-roll bars and suspension with “numerous setting options”. Upgraded brakes include bigger 390mm front discs, stopped by six-piston calipers, and 360mm discs at the rear, with four-piston calipers.

A two-seat cabin is standard, with an optional rear bench with individual seats, like the ‘cooking’ C63 AMG Coupé. Race-style bucket seats and red-trimmed seatbelts with contrasting stitching add a sporty edge to the interior.

Firsts for the Black Series are an optional Track Package and the AMG Aerodynamic Package. Included in the Track Package is super-sticky Dunlop rubber and a differential cooler sited in the rear bumper apron. The Aerodynamic Package features carbonfibre aerodynamic add-ons for the front bumper and a fixed, carbon rear spoiler.

The Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series will go on sale in the first quarter of 2012.